New York, NY - Highlights from the July 2003 meeting of the AKC Board of Directors are as follows:

· The Board approved the eligibility of some Foundation Stock breeds, which meet certain criteria, for competition in AKC Companion Events (Obedience, Tracking, and Agility), effective January 1, 2004. The breeds must have a minimum of 150 dogs with three generation pedigrees recorded in the FSS, a national breed club with members in at least 20 states, and an AKC approved breed standard. The breeds that currently meet the criteria are the Irish Red and White Setter, the Cesky Terrier, the Coton de Tulear, the Norwegian Lundehund, the FSS Black and Tan Coonhound, the Bluetick Coonhound, the American English Coonhound, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Sloughi, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Perro de Presa Canario, the Chinook, the Norwegian Buhund, the Swedish Vallhund, the Finnish Lapphund, and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Requests by breed clubs to have their breeds compete in the various Performance Events would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

· The Board approved the insertion of an arbitration clause on AKC entry forms and
registration applications, effective January 2004. This action requires:

That the following clause be inserted in all official AKC entry forms and that the Superintendents and entry services be advised of the change so they can obtain updated entry forms.

"I (we) agree that any cause of action, controversy or claim arising out of or related to the entry, exhibition or attendance at the event between the AKC and/or this club and myself (ourselves) or as to the construction, interpretation and effect of this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration pursuant to the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association. However, prior to arbitration all applicable AKC Bylaws, rules and procedures must first be followed as set forth in the AKC Charter and Bylaws, rules, published policies and guidelines."

Individual dog clubs may opt out of the arbitration procedure by deleting the phrase "or this club" from the clause on the entry form for its event.

That the following clause be inserted in all AKC registration applications (litter, individual dog registration, transfer and certificate).

" I (we) agree that any cause of action, controversy or claim arising out of or related to this registration or as to the construction, interpretation and effect of this clause shall be settled by arbitration pursuant to the applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association. However, prior to arbitration all applicable AKC Bylaws, rules and procedures must first be followed as set forth in the AKC Charter and Bylaws, rules, published policies and guidelines."

· The Board approved the following Position Statements:

Guardian vs. Owner
The American Kennel Club supports the use of the term "owner" rather than "guardian" when referring to the keeping of dogs. The AKC believes that the term guardian reduces the legal status and value of dogs and thereby restricts the rights of owners, veterinarians, and government agencies to protect and care for dogs. It may also subject them to frivolous and expensive litigation.

The term guardian does nothing to promote more responsible treatment of dogs. We strongly support efforts to educate the public about responsible dog ownership to ensure that all dogs receive the care, love, and attention they deserve.

Homeowners' Insurance and Dangerous Dogs
The American Kennel Club believes that insurance companies should determine coverage of a dog-owning household based on the dog's deeds, not the breed. If a dog is a well-behaved member of the household and community, there is no reason to deny or cancel coverage. In fact, insurance companies should consider a dog an asset, a natural alarm system whose bark may deter intruders and prevent potential theft.

· The Board modified its Auction policy to provide that dogs sold at auction that are under 8 weeks of age or without microchip identification will be ineligible for AKC registration and shall be placed on permanent referral.

· The following Delegates were approved: Ms. Terry Berrios to represent the Jacksonville Dog Fanciers Association; Ms. Mary E. Casella to represent the Concord Dog Training Club, Inc.; Ms. Josephine DeMenna to represent the Progressive Dog Club; Mrs. Vicki M. Dovellos to represent the Japanese Chin Club of America; Ms. Karen Rose Kilgus to represent the Corn Belt Kennel Club, Inc.;Eric Liebes, Ph.D. to represent the Komondor Club of America, Inc.; Ms. Judy F. Murray to represent the Onondaga Kennel Association, Inc.; Ms. Terry A. Pierce to represent the Bryn Mawr Kennel Club, Inc.; Mr. Andre B. Schoen to represent the Colorado Springs Kennel Club, Inc.; Mr. Darrell W. Wilcoxon to represent the Western Beagle Club

· Nine individuals from California, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, and Oregon were suspended for refusal to make dogs and/or records available. Two individuals from California and Michigan were suspended for cruelty violations. Five individuals from Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Virginia were suspended for miscellaneous violations.